Harper Lin
Holding a golf club is one of the most important aspects of the game. There are three basic types of grips: overlapping, interlocking, and 10-finger grips. The overlapping grip is one of the most common, where the pinkie finger of one hand is placed in the ridge between the other hand's index and middle finger. The interlocking grip is similar, but the hands are closer together, with the pinkie finger interlocking with the index finger. The 10-finger grip is less common but can be powerful as each finger touches the surface of the grip. It is well-suited for those with small hands. There are also variations of grips, such as the neutral, strong, and weak grips. A neutral grip is often chosen by beginners, while a strong grip suits right-handers who slice the ball, and a weak grip suits those who hook the ball. Ultimately, the grip you choose should feel comfortable to you, allowing you to make a clean strike on the ball.
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What You'll Learn
The three types of grips: interlocking, overlapping, and baseball
The three most common types of grips in golf are interlocking, overlapping, and baseball. Each grip has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice between them depends on factors such as hand size and comfort.
Interlocking Grip
The interlocking grip is formed by connecting the pinky finger of the right hand with the forefinger of the left hand. This results in both hands acting as a single unit, providing better control over the club. It is a good option for players with small hands, as it can be uncomfortable for those with larger hands. This grip is favoured by legendary golfers such as Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, and Rory McIlroy.
Overlapping Grip
The overlapping grip, also known as the Vardon grip, is created by resting the pinky finger of the right hand on top of the space between the left pointer finger and middle finger. This grip is commonly taught by instructors and used by many elite players. It is well-suited for golfers with big hands and can help reduce the pressure exerted on the club.
Baseball Grip
The baseball grip, also known as the ten-finger or neutral grip, is similar to the way one would hold a baseball bat. All ten fingers touch the club, with the hands resting softly together. This grip is less common among elite amateur and professional golfers but is often favoured by beginners as it is easy to learn and provides a good starting point for developing a consistent swing.
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How to hold a golf club with your dominant hand
Holding a golf club with your dominant hand is an important part of your stance and swing. There are several ways to hold a golf club with your dominant hand, and the technique you choose should be the one that feels most comfortable to you. Here are some of the most common techniques:
Overlapping Grip
This is one of the more popular grips and is also known as the Vardon grip. With this grip, the pinky finger of the dominant hand overlaps and rests on the crease between the index and middle finger of the non-dominant hand. It is important to ensure that the hands are resting softly together and not forcibly pressed into each other.
Interlocking Grip
This grip is similar to the overlapping grip, except that the pinky finger of the dominant hand interlocks with the index finger of the non-dominant hand by sliding it under and around. This grip "locks" your fingers together, which can give your golf swing added power.
10-Finger Grip (Baseball Grip)
This grip is similar to the grip used when holding a baseball bat. All 10 fingers are placed on the club, with the pinky finger of the dominant hand placed on top of the index finger of the non-dominant hand. The hands should be close together without any gaps in between. This grip can be well-suited for golfers with smaller hands.
Regardless of the grip you choose, it is important to have a firm but relaxed grip on the golf club. You should be able to feel the grip in your fingers, and your hand placement should be more on top of the club. Your grip should be comfortable and consistent, allowing you to have better control over your swing and achieve the desired shot shape.
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Holding the club with your non-dominant hand
Holding the golf club with your non-dominant hand is an important part of your stance and swing. The non-dominant hand is the foundation of your grip, and it is important to get a solid grip on the club to ensure a successful swing.
To begin, place the club in your non-dominant hand, which will be your left hand if you are right-handed and vice versa if you are left-handed. Keep your hand relaxed, with the palm facing you, and lay the grip of the club across the inside of your fingers, where your first knuckles and palm meet. The butt of the club should extend just past the base joint of your pinkie finger.
Next, secure your non-dominant hand by curling the bottom three fingers around the grip. Set your thumb flat across the top of the grip, and roll your thumb over towards the opposite side of the grip. At this point, you should see the index finger knuckle and middle finger knuckle of your non-dominant hand.
The grip you choose will depend on your personal preference and comfort level. The interlocking grip is a popular choice, where the pinkie finger of the dominant hand is interlocked with the index finger of the non-dominant hand. Another option is the overlapping grip, where the pinkie finger of the dominant hand simply rests on top of the notch between the index and middle finger of the non-dominant hand. This grip is also known as the Vardon grip. A third option is the 10-finger grip, or baseball grip, where the hands meet at the right pinkie finger and left pointer finger, with the thumb of the non-dominant hand running underneath the palm of the dominant hand.
Experiment with different grips and hand placements to find what feels most natural to you. It is important to have a firm grip on the club, but not so much pressure that it feels like you are strangling it. A relaxed and balanced grip pressure will allow for proper wrist action and club control during the swing.
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The neutral grip
To achieve a neutral grip, start by placing your left hand on the grip, about half an inch below the end. The grip should rest diagonally across the base of your fingers, from the first knuckle of your index finger to the base of your little finger. Close your fingers around the grip, wrapping them comfortably but not too tightly. The pad of your left thumb should rest slightly to the right of centre. You should see two to three knuckles on your left hand when looking down.
The right hand sits directly below the left hand and should also be held with the fingers. The Vs formed by the thumbs and index fingers of both hands should point towards your trail shoulder. Your grip pressure should be firm but not overly tight, allowing for proper wrist action and club control during the swing.
A neutral grip is great for consistency and repeatability in your golf swing, and is the best grip for a straight shot.
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The strong and weak grip
The grip is pivotal in golf as it is the sole point of contact between your body and the club. The three types of grips—strong, weak, and neutral—each have their own pros and cons.
A strong grip is when the 'V' formed by the thumb and index finger points toward the right side of the golfer's head, assuming they are right-handed. This grip generally helps to keep the clubface square or closed to the target through the impact zone. It can make it easier to hit a draw, shallow the club, and swing from the inside, potentially resulting in more power and distance. However, it can also increase the chance of over-drawing or hooking the ball, especially if body rotation is insufficient.
On the other hand, a weak grip for a right-handed golfer means the left hand is rotated outward so that the 'V' points towards the left side of the head. This grip makes it easier to hit a fade and can help with a softer landing and better control, especially for short game shots. It also reduces the likelihood of starting the ball left of the target and hitting a hook. However, it can also increase the chance of slicing the ball.
Lastly, the neutral grip is often considered the best of both worlds, combining the power of a strong grip with the control of a weak one. With the neutral grip, the 'V' is aligned directly towards the golfer's head, resulting in a straight shot with stable control. However, it may not maximize power for players who depend on a specific shot shape to generate speed.
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Frequently asked questions
There are three types of grips: overlapping, interlocking, and 10-finger grips. The overlapping grip is the most common, where the pinkie finger of one hand is placed in the ridge between the other hand's index and middle finger. The interlocking grip is similar but interlocks the hands by connecting the pinkie finger of one hand with the index finger of the other. The 10-finger grip is less common and simply means that all fingers are on the club.
The baseball grip is recommended for those with small hands, as it is simpler and easier to control.
Most beginners opt for a neutral grip, where only the first two knuckles of the top hand are visible.
If you feel tension in your forearms, you are likely holding the club too tightly. This will prevent a full shoulder turn. Focus on soft hands and a relaxed grip.
Place your non-dominant hand on the club first, with the palm facing you. The club handle should align diagonally across your fingers. Then, place your dominant hand lower on the club, with your thumb flat across the club.
